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Bruce: Clinton will choose

By Tom Adams

Steve Bruce says it is up to Clinton Morrison to decide if he has a future at Birmingham.

Steve Bruce has reiterated that he wants Clinton Morrison to stay at Birmingham City, although acknowledged that the striker may choose to leave in the summer.

The 25-year-old has become increasingly frustrated with his inability to secure a starting role after the arrival of on-loan Deportivo man Walter Pandiani, and could leave St Andrews in a bid to improve his chances at international level.

Morrison has struck twice in the last two games for Brian Kerr's Republic of Ireland side but despite this run of good form he will surely remain a substitute under Bruce if, as expected, Pandiani arrives on a permanent deal in the summer.

Bruce has previously indicated a willingness to hold onto the striker and is keen for him to remain part of the Blues' squad into next year and beyond.

"We will see which way Clinton wants to go, no deal has been offered as he has 18 months left on his contract," said Bruce.

"Obviously he wants to play and, if we bring in Walter Pandiani to go with Emile Heskey and maybe another, then he will think his chances are limited.

"What we have to remember is it is a squad game, I understand his frustration, any player wants to play.

"But you've got to have at least four strikers competing for places."

Bruce also indicated a willingness to add to his coaching staff in the summer, in a bid to freshen up his backroom setup and aid assistant Eric Black.

"It's one area I'm looking at, when you work with the same people for three or four years familiarity can sometimes breed contempt."